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Secret sprinklers on the roof of the Natural History Museum

I've lived in New York for 13 years, and I only just discovered the secret sprinklers on top of the Natural History Museum...The museum itself is amazing—with dinosaurs, monkeys and a giant blue whale (which gets vacuumed once a year)—but if you enter on the west side of the museum and head to the roof, you'll find grass and sprinklers.You don't even need to buy a ticket! We've now hung out with friends there a few times, and it's such an awesome place to hang out on hot days, whether or not you end up going inside the museum. If you want to make a day of it, you can grab lunch at Shake Shack across the street or walk a few blocks to Hampton Chutney, which has incredible dosas, a window seat and storybooks for kiddos.The boys wore Old Navy basics, which were cute yet sturdy enough for running and splashing around. (Toby's shorts were only $6!) Anton wore one of their little surf suits, which kept him covered up in the hot sun.Did you guys already know about this? New York can be crazy, but then it goes and surprises you like this. :)

I initially read "Julia Robbs" as "Julia Roberts" and you can imagine what went through my head for a split second. [JOANNA KNOWS JULIA ROBERTS?!? JULIA ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHED FOR A CUP OF JO?!?!] Ha. Even if Julia Robbs is not in fact of Pretty Women and Notting Hill fame, the photos are lovely. What a NYC gem.

How cool! I've been noticing that so many playgrounds and parks in the city have sprinklers. Such fun for kiddos! You really do such an amazing job of making your sponsored posts blend seamlessly with the rest of your blog!

We are def going to do this. Have you been to the splash pad in Prospect Park? It's similar and so much fun. There's also the Bluestone Cafe right there which is so convenient for a day of splashing and eating. They have the best fries hands down.

I'm a long time reader and work in advertising for a large online publisher, and I just have to say your sponsored content really should serve as an industry example. It always fits in so seamlessly and I often feel like the posts would have run on their own, sans sponsor. Well done!

We visited last week from the Boston area - and my kids did not believe me when I told them about the secret park and fountain. But I got a 14, 12 and 10 year old to have fun and wet their feet.That's what I miss most about my time in NYC - all the secret corners (and gardens).

A dear friend of mine works for the museum and when visiting my brother with my two little guys earlier this month we met her there and she took us straight to this lovely little oasis. My two and a half year old had a blast splashing around with his uncle while my 7 month old and I lounged lazily in the grass. It was divine. And I totally agree about the natural flow of your sponsored posts. And as a mom I totally agree with all the comments you have about how you use these products in your everyday life. One of the many many reasons your blog is my absolute favorite.

Oh, I could eat Anton up. I can totally see that "old soul" in his face like you talk about. I am loving Old Navy more and more. Maybe it's because they just opened their first store in Shanghai and it feels so much like being home, or what, but I think they have really turned themselves around the past several years.

I just say. I can't get enough of babies toes, not to mention chubby legs! :-DIf it weren't for the actual work of guiding them from that stage of edible-ness to lanky teenager'ism I'd have a few more... 8-)

Been away from your blog for a while, now I feel I have to add you back to my reading list. Thank you for a lovely blog./ Anna

oh! I just found these the other day and was hoping to keep them a "secret" :) our little one is a little too young, but we can't wait to take her when she's ready. It's such a great peaceful space in NYC.

This is such a great post! My husband and I own an artisan sandwich shop in the city, and are always looking for unexpected places to slip away from our business and unwind with our family. This looks like so much fun! I can't believe I've never heard about this until now! Thanks for sharing! (Also, I'm with ya -- we sneak in tons of Old Navy summer gear around here.)

My mother and toddler daughter are in the background of one of your pictures! We were also there this past Sunday since we only live a block away. It's usually not very crowded because it's such a well kept secret - until now!

Yes, I knew about this one, but there's another sprinkler park on the other end of Manhattan in Battery Park (close to where you take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty). I know you're leaving the 'hood, but these are great too -- and kind of surprising as you don't know which one is going to spray next! Here's a link: http://www.downtownmagazinenyc.com/battery-park-conservancy-shares-accomplishments-and-plans-for-future-with-neighborhood-residents/

This weekend we were in a long, long line to tour one of the Navy ships visiting Seattle during Fleet Week. The line stretched nearly 1/4 a mile along the boardwalk, and we were lucky enough to find a sweet little splash pool/fountain near the Navy ships.

It pool was tiled like a fish, about 8" deep, and had little slides on the fins, and 3 fountains. It kept our 21 month old and our 7 year old very happy while we waited - and the view of the ships, islands, and mountains across the sound was amazing!